Crenic habitats, hotspots for freshwater biodiversity conservation: toward an understanding of their ecology

• DOI: 10.1899/11-111.1
• Publication Date: 2012-05-15T21:20:00Z
• Authors: Marco Cantonati; Leopold Füreder; Reinhard Gerecke; Ingrid Jüttner; Eileen J. Cox
• Keywords: Biota; Freshwater ecosystem

Springs are unique aquatic habitats that contribute significantly to local and regional biodiversity because of their high habitat complexity the large number different spring types. Many springs small, but they numerous often water quality, thus, provide for species rare elsewhere sensitivity anthropogenic impacts (least-impaired relicts). species-rich contain a larger Red List taxa than other habitats. Hydrological factors, particularly flow permanence, chemistry, temperature important ecological factors determining distribution community composition. Despite importance much less studied ecosystems. They also insufficiently covered by protective legislation, resulting in destruction natural habitat. The authors papers this special issue describe specific biota, including multitaxon studies, discuss role environmental variability at spatial temporal scales, disturbance suggest directions future research, defining reference conditions long-term development quality-assessment methods, more sustainable use as freshwater resources.